The Secret of Pool

dr_dave said:
canwin said:
Dave,
When you came on this forum and started recording everyone else's thoughts, ideas etc., it became clear to me that you had in mind to sell this info. at some point and it has proved correct. I don't mean to be so critical because it doesn't bother me. What's fine for other people doesn't bother me. But I have a question. Can you list some of your original ideas, thoughts,etc. about the game that you haven't cloned from others.
Just checking.
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I proudly admit that I've learned a lot from many books and videos (I've read, watched, and studied many), numerous magazine articles (I subscribe to and read every article in BD, P&B, and IP every month), many instructors I've had the privilege to work and communicate with (Jerry B, Randy G, Tom S, Tom R, Bob J, etc.), and from the thousands of threads I've read and participated in over the years.

However, I do feel I have contributed a lot to the pool world. Here are a few examples:
- 30-degree-rule and trisect-system peace-sign techniques.
- thorough understanding, explanation, and illustration of all squirt, swerve, and throw effects and principles (based on analysis, experiments, and video studies I've done).
- through understanding and illustration of pocket center and size effects
- thorough analysis and summary of all useful draw shot effects and principles
- almost 100 well-illustrated and thorough instructional articles for Billiards Digest over many years.
- innovative, full-color book (The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards) with online video supplements published and posted in the pre-YouTube era.
- comprehensive Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots (VEPS) series with Tom Ross, considered by many the best instructional video series ever created.
- a huge collection of free online high-speed-video super-slow-motion video clips that many people have referred to for many years.
- extremely useful and comprehensive collection of answers and resources (from me and others) for frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) in all pool topics.
- etc.!!!

I don't list these contributions to brag, but because I took offense at your post. I have worked extremely hard for the pool world and plan to continue to do so for a long time to come.

Just to be clear again: I have learned a lot of stuff from a lot of people. I'm sorry if that offends you (or "others"). :(
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BTW, just for the record, I wrote and published my book and created much of my website well before I even new AZB existed (although, in retrospect, I wish I had known about AZB before I even started any of my work because AZB participation certainly would have helped make my work better).

A big thanks to all AZB users, from whom I have learned a lot,
Dave
 
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canwin; said:
Dave,
When you came on this forum and started recording everyone else's thoughts, ideas etc., it became clear to me that you had in mind to sell this info. at some point and it has proved correct. I don't mean to be so critical because it doesn't bother me. What's fine for other people doesn't bother me. But I have a question. Can you list some of your original ideas, thoughts,etc. about the game that you haven't cloned from others.
Just checking.
Click to expand...

I think that this is one of the most cynical posts I have read on this forum. Quite depressing really.
 
canwin said:
Dave,
When you came on this forum and started recording everyone else's thoughts, ideas etc., it became clear to me that you had in mind to sell this info. at some point and it has proved correct. I don't mean to be so critical because it doesn't bother me. What's fine for other people doesn't bother me. But I have a question. Can you list some of your original ideas, thoughts,etc. about the game that you haven't cloned from others.
Just checking.
Click to expand...

I don't really know where you are coming from on this issue. But there is a saying....there is nothing new under the sun. Sharing is just that and for people that may be new to the forum revisiting is not a bad thing
 
There are only two rules to pool... told to me countless times by a close pool-shooting friend:

Rule #1... Just make the ball.

Rule #2... Don't forget Rule #1. :thumbup:
 
Let me be clear about something Dave.

I think that you ARE one of the best billiard scholars around right now. Your work is important and it is useful.

However I find that your actions in this thread are not so great.

The original poster was asking for some real advice on how to handle his idea. Of course he is going to catch ridicule by the way he worded it.

You however had the opportunity to be a bit of a mentor and perhaps a collaborator. Because I am sure that you are interested in whatever 336 Robin has to say so that you can either confirm it or debunk it.

Instead you chose to ignore his request for help and turn his thread into a huge advertisement for your wares.

Now, I hope you can understand that this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black because I try also to slip in "ads" whenever I can. But jeeze man have a LITTLE decorum and try to at least give the guy some professional advice BEFORE you hijack his thread.
 
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John,

I thought the OP was just trying to create an interesting thread about pool secrets and what different people would do with them if they thought they had some. I've always shared all of my "secrets" on this forum and in my articles, book, and DVDs. That's my response to his original post ... when I have secrets, I share them.

I didn't get the impression that the OP wanted to create a book or DVD(s). If that is the case, I would be happy to share all I know about what I've learned.

In my early book and DVD days, I remember calling Phil Capelle for advice. He was very helpful and willing to share what he knew, and I really appreciated that. Since then, I've always tried to offer advice to others who contact me (as I have on numerous occasions).

If the OP really wants to produce a book or DVD, and lets me know what specific questions he has, I would be happy to provide answers based on my experience. I have nothing to hide.

Regards,
Dave

JB Cases said:
Let me be clear about something Dave.

I think that you ARE one of the best billiard scholars around right now. Your work is important and it is useful.

However I find that your actions in this thread are not so great.

The original poster was asking for some real advice on how to handle his idea. Of course he is going to catch ridicule by the way he worded it.

You however had the opportunity to be a bit of a mentor and perhaps a collaborator. Because I am sure that you are interested in whatever 336 Robin has to say so that you can either confirm it or debunk it.

Instead you chose to ignore his request for help and turn his thread into a huge EFFING advertisement for your wares.

Now, I hope you can understand that this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black because I try also to slip in "ads" whenever I can. But jeeze man have a LITTLE decorum and try to at least give the guy some professional advice BEFORE you hijack his thread.
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One day while playing you discover "the secret" or a huge secret in the game of pool. No one else knows it, you are sure. You cant find it anywhere.

1. So what do you do with it?

2. Do you publish it and let everyone spread it around for free?

3. or Do you sell it one player at a time?

4. What is the best way to sell it?

5. Should you share it for the good of the sport?

6. Should you copyright it and try to prevent its being reprinted in mass?

7. If this is so good it makes pool less challenging, do you destroy it to preserve the game?

8. What do you do with something so good?

The answers to these questions might prove interesting.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Here you go Dave. I made it a little easier for you read and answer the OP's questions. This is the same information that is contained in post #1.
 
JB Cases said:
One day while playing you discover "the secret" or a huge secret in the game of pool. No one else knows it, you are sure. You cant find it anywhere.

1. So what do you do with it?
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Share it online and in articles, books, and DVDs.

JB Cases said:
2. Do you publish it and let everyone spread it around for free?
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Yes.

JB Cases said:
3. or Do you sell it one player at a time?
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No.

JB Cases said:
4. What is the best way to sell it?
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... online (using PayPal) and through distributors like CueStix Int'l and Sterling Gaming.

JB Cases said:
5. Should you share it for the good of the sport?
Click to expand...
Yes.

JB Cases said:
6. Should you copyright it and try to prevent its being reprinted in mass?
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Any book or DVD you publish is automatically copyrighted, as long as you include the copyright symbol, year, and notice with your product.

JB Cases said:
7. If this is so good it makes pool less challenging, do you destroy it to preserve the game?
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No. Pool will always involve tremendous challenges, regardless of what "information" might be available.

JB Cases said:
8. What do you do with something so good?
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Use it and share it.

JB Cases said:
Here you go Dave. I made it a little easier for you read and answer the OP's questions. This is the same information that is contained in post #1.
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I hope my answers are what you had in mind, and I hope you don't think they are yet another "advertisement." :(

Regards,
Dave
 
dr_dave said:
All of the "straight answers" and "secrets" I've ever needed concerning CTE are here:


To be clear, this is not an advertisement ... just a link to useful and free resources (from me and others). :sorry:

Regards,
Dave
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Dave, I really think you have put out a lot of great information when it comes to learning about pool. Your slow mo videos are very informative. But its when you post links like this one that I want to beat my head against the monitor LOL.

The problem for me is because of all the good things you have out there, people will tend to believe what they read on your site. So when you post links to things that are wrong people will still believe them and then spend time trying to work with bad information. You dont have to read very far down the page on that link to get to some bad information.

I do not want to take this thread away from its original intent, which I thought was a great question. Sorry I said those three little letters that always seems to sidetrack a thread LOL.
 
thye secret

Test it.
Do you want to play for $100.00 a game? We'll see if it works.
You won't have to tell anyone.

You should make lots of money with your secret this way.

Quote:
" If you are so damn smart, how come you ain't rich."
 
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The secret

I believe that the secret to the game is a mixture of mostly mental and some physical aspects. The physical aspect of the game comes down to our fundamentals. I mean approaching the table the same way every time you get to the table is key to having a consistent stroke. Approaching in a repetitious way enables that consistency to be greater.
As far as the mental goes, its a much more complex task then one may realize. The mind is a fragile thing and sometimes it only takes one tiny mistake to shatter your confidence. What i have noticed is this, evry time you get to the table. Tell yourself i can win, i can win over and over. It doesnt even matter if your not plaing your a game. Grinding it out with that mental attitude will win you more games then any package will on the pool table. Although i must admit it is a very tough thing to do and takes years of practice!!!
 
the eyes have it

The secret to great pool lies in your eyes - the body will do what your eyes show it should do. Keep the perfect shot picture you visualize from above all the way during transition down and keep your awareness and concentration maximum through your eyes.
 
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The Secret...

If you want to "Fly Like An Eagle...."

Then you must go and Fly With The Eagles....

Go and Be in and amongst them Always....All Ways...

Be prepared for much sacrifice and dedication if you really want to Soar at the Greatest Heights...

Good luck finding your Happiness at what ever level you attain...

Mr. J.
 
just my thoughts.

If there was a "secret" to pool comparable to a cheat code in video game, I would want absolutely nothing to do with it.
For the last four years or so pool has been apart of my life. I've been paying my dues day in and day out, and loved every moment of it. Who knows where pool will take me in life but I can tell you this.....One day I'll hustle Jay Helfert, I'll play Earl in a tournament and leave him sitting down the whole time. When I do I'll know its because I've earned it, not gonna be because some old man gave me a "cheat code."
 
IdRatherKick said:
If there was a "secret" to pool comparable to a cheat code in video game, I would want absolutely nothing to do with it.
For the last four years or so pool has been apart of my life. I've been paying my dues day in and day out, and loved every moment of it. Who knows where pool will take me in life but I can tell you this.....One day I'll hustle Jay Helfert, I'll play Earl in a tournament and leave him sitting down the whole time. When I do I'll know its because I've earned it, not gonna be because some old man gave me a "cheat code."
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The only "cheat code" you need is:

LEARN ... PRACTICE ... FOCUS ... HAVE FUN
 
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